Bill Gates Says Nigeria Has the Second-Highest Rate of Food Insecurity in the World

Nigeria is facing a critical food insecurity crisis, with the country now having the second-highest rate of food insecurity in the world, according to Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

In a recent interview with the Punch Newspapers, Gates discussed the alarming state of nutrition in Nigeria and across Africa, emphasizing the challenges posed by climate change and the urgent need for innovative solutions to address these issues.

Gates highlighted the foundation’s commitment to improving health, education, and economic opportunities in Nigeria, aligning with the country’s national development goals. “Our mission is simple: we want to support efforts to improve health, education, and economic opportunities for children and families here in Nigeria, and across Africa,” Gates said. He added that Nigeria’s path to development is deeply tied to the health and well-being of its people, and that a healthy and prosperous Africa is impossible without a healthy and prosperous Nigeria.

The foundation’s focus on nutrition is driven by the belief that improving nutrition is essential for enhancing health, supporting education, and strengthening the food economy. Gates noted that while significant progress has been made globally in reducing child mortality, malnutrition remains a major challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. “Two in five people in sub-Saharan Africa are malnourished—the highest rate in nearly two decades,” Gates explained.

In response to these challenges, the Gates Foundation has invested over $2 billion in improving health outcomes, boosting agricultural productivity, and promoting economic opportunities for women and marginalized populations in Nigeria. The foundation is working with local partners, government institutions, and communities to develop sustainable food systems that can provide Nigerians with access to healthy, nutritious food.

Gates also emphasized the role of collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s nutritional challenges. He described the foundation’s partnerships with local researchers, dairy farmers, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency to build resilience against climate change and improve nutrition outcomes. “We are working hand in hand with incredible partner organizations and government institutions, as well as with stakeholders in affected communities,” he said.

The intersection of nutrition and climate change is a growing concern in Nigeria, with climate change exacerbating food insecurity by reducing arable land, increasing pest infestations, and driving up food prices. Gates warned that the poorest farmers are the most vulnerable, as they struggle to cope with these challenges. “Climate-related losses on many African farms are more than double those seen globally,” he noted.

Despite the grim outlook, Gates remains optimistic about the potential for innovation to address Nigeria’s food insecurity. He pointed to promising solutions, such as fortifying bouillon cubes with essential nutrients, as a way to combat malnutrition. “One innovation involves fortifying bouillon cubes with vital nutrients. This could prevent more than 11,000 deaths from neural tube defects and avert 16.8 million cases of anemia each year in Nigeria,” Gates said.

The Gates Foundation is working closely with the Nigerian government and the private sector to expand and formalize bouillon fortification with nutrients like iron, folic acid, B12, and zinc. Gates believes that by embracing such innovations, Nigeria can make significant strides in improving nutrition and saving lives.